Folding go-cart.



A. E. MGG'ILL.

FOLDING GO-UART.

APPLIOATION FILED 00121, 1907. RENEWED FEB.Z5,1914.

1 ,094,460. Patented Apr. 28, 1914.

2 SHEETSSHEET 1.

A. E. MoGILL.

FOLDING GO-GART. I APPLICATION FILED 00-121, 1907. RENEWED FEB. 25, 1914.

1,094,460. A Patented Apr. 28, 1914.

2 SHEETSSHEBT 2.

WEE '6) v I COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH CO.,\VASHINUTON. D. C.

TTED STATES PATENT ()FFTGE.

ALBERT E. MGG'ILL, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO WILLIAM S. FEBRIS, OF ELKHAR/l, INDIANA, AND ALEXANDER B. LEITH, OF

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, TRUSTEES.

FOLDING GO-CART.

oeeeeo,

Application filed October 21, 1907, Serial No. 398,423.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 28, 1914.

Renewed February 25, 1914. Serial No. 821,048.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALBERT E. MCGILL,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding GoCarts, of which the following is a specification.

' This invention relates to improvements in folding go-carts, and the primary object of the invention is to provide an improved device of this character which will be light, simple and durable in construction and which may be folded into compact form.

A further object is to provide improved, simple, durable and inexpensive means for locking the side arms, the handle and, if desired, the folding wheel supports in working position when the handle is raised for use.

A further object is to provide an improved wheel support which shall be durable and inexpensive.

To the attainment of these ends and the accomplishment of other new and useful objects, as will appear, the invention consists in the features of novelty in the construction, combination and arrangement of the several parts hereinafter more fully described and claimed and shown in the accompanying drawings, illustrating an exemplification of the invention, and in which-- Figure 1 is a side elevation of an improved device of this character constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention and with one of the front wheels removed showing the axle of said wheel in sections. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view on line 3-3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4: is a detail sectional view of one of the wheel supports. F 5 is a sectional view on the line 55 of Fig. 1. Fig. (3 is a detail sectional view showing the manner of locking the brace for the side arms. Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of the locking brace.

Referring more particularly to the drawings and in the present exemplificatio-n of the invention, the running gear frame preferably comprises spaced side members 10 and 11, which are connected at one end as at 12, and extending transversely across the frame at'the rear end thereof is a connecting bar or rod 13 which serves as a means for pivotally securing the side arms 14; of the handle 15 to the running gear frame.

The wheel supports 16 for the running gear frame are preferably constructed of a single piece of suitable mate ial such as metal or the like, the body portions of which are provided with spaced side flanges 17 which terminate short of the extremities thereof. One end 18 of the body portion 16 beyond the side flanges 17 is bent around one of the side bars 10, 11 and the extremity 19 thereof is bent into close proximity to the body portion 16 so as to stand between the flanges 17 thereof and is secured against displacement in any desired or suitable manner, preferably by means of a bolt or rivet 20 which passes through the extremity 19 of the end 18 and the body portion 16. The end 18 is so shaped that the wheel support is adapted for rotation with respect to the running gear frame to permit the support to be folded with respect to the running gear frame. The other extremity 21 of the wheel support beyond the flanges 17 is bent to form a spaced wall 22 which is parallel with the body portion 16, and the extremity 23 thereof is deflected or bent so as to stand adjacent the body portion 16 between the flanges 17 and is held from displacement preferably by means of a bolt or rivet 2a which passes through the extremity 23 and the body portion 16 of the wheel support.

The wall 22 is provided with an aperture 25through which one end of a stud axle 2G is adapted to pass and the end 27 of the axle is secured to the body portion 16 of the support, preferably by means of a reduced threaded portion 28 passing therethrough which is adapted to receive a suitable nut 29 so as to clamp the body portion 16 of the wheel support between the nut 29 and the shoulder 30 of the axle which is formed by the reduced extremity 28. The wheel supports are secured to the running gear frame in such position that the wheels 31 which are mounted on the axles 26 will stand adjacent the outside of the running gear frame. The wheel supports on each side of the frame are respectively connected by means of a connecting bar or member 32 so that they will move in unison when one is adjusted.

Suitable cross bars 33, 34 may be secured to the running gear frame for supporting the seat 35, and pivotally connected to the side bars 10 and 11, ad acent each side of the seat 35, are links or bars 36, 37 which extend for some distance above the running gear frame and supported adjacent the upper extremities of these links or bars and pivotally connected thereto, are arm rests 38. The rear links or bars 37 project or depend below the running gear frame as at 39 and the free extremities thereof are adapted to engage suitable clips 40 secured to the respective connecting bars 32 so that when the wheel supports are in an operative position the extremities 39 of the rear links or bars 37 will engage the clips 40 to lock the wheel supports in position.

Suitable links 41 are pivotally connected to the side bars 14 of the handle 15 and to the rear link of bar 37 so that when the handie is moved about its point of pivotal support in a forward or backward direction, the links or bars 36, 37 will be moved about their points of pivotal supports to raise or lower the arm rests 38 with respect to the running gear frame.

A suitable brace 42 having side arms 43 is pivotally connected by the extremity of the arms 43 to the rear links or bars 37 and is provided with suitable notches 44 in the side arms which are adapted to receive the cross bar 13 on the running gear frame to lock the arm rests 38 and the handle 14 in an operative position, as shown more clearly in Figs. 1 and 3. When it is desired to fold the arm rests 38 with respect to the running gear frame the bail 42 may be raised so as to disengage the cross bar 13 after which the handle 15 may be moved forwardly and downwardly, which motion will cause the arm rests 38 to move forwardly and clownwardly through the medium of the links 41.

A suitable support 45 may be provided between the rear extremity of the seat 35 and the cross bar 13 to support the bail 42 when the handle 15 is being moved about its pivot. Suitable steps 46 may also be provided on the side arms 43 of the bail 4 to limit the movement of the bail and to direct the slots 44 into such a position as to receive the cross bar 13.

Suitable yielding members 47, such as springs or the like, may be secured by one extremity to the side arms 43 and by the other extremities to the running gear frame for holding the bail against accidental displacement when the arm rests 38 are adjusted to an operative position. The seat 35 is provided with an independently adjust able back 48 which may be supported in position by means of a suitable bail 49 pivotally connected to the links 41 so as to engage the rear face of the back and suitable guides 50 may also be provided on the seat back for connecting the bail 49 thereto and in which the latter is adapted to move. A foot rest 51 is also provided at the forward end of the frame, one end of which is preferably supported by the running gear frame and the other end by the forward extremity of the seat 35. Suitable springs 52, may be provided and interposed between the cross bars 33 and 34 and the seat 35 for yieldingly supporting the latter.

It will thus be seen that with this improved construction, the arm rests 38 will be maintained in a horizontal position with relation to the seat in any of their adjusted positions and that the rear supporting link or bar thereof also serves as a means for locking the wheel supports in operative position and furthermore that the bail or brace of the arm rests also serves as a means fo looking all of these parts in position. If desired, the steps 46 may be provided with a projection 46 for holding the arms 43 against accidental disengagement with the bar 13.

In order that the invention might be fully understood by those skilled in the art, the details of the foregoing embodiment thereof have been thus specifically described, but

lVhat I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. In a folding gocart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports rotatably mounted thereon, a seat supported by the frame, adjustable side arms for the seat, supports for the arms with which the side arms have pivotal connection, some of said supports being provided with extensions extending below the running gear frame, means supported by the wheel supports adapted to be engaged by the extensions to lock the wheel supports in position, a pivoted handle, separate from the arms and the arm supports, means whereby the movement of the handle will adjust the side arms, the side arms being maintained in a horizontal position with respect to the run ning gear frame in any of its adjusted positions, and a bail like catch connected and movable with the supports and upon the running gear frame for locking the handle and the supports in position.

2. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports rotatably mounted thereon, a seat, side arms for the seat, supports for the arms with which the arms are pivotally connected for maintaining the arms in a horizontal posi tion with respect to the running gear frame, a pivoted handle, means whereby the forward and downward movement of the handle will cause the arms to fold with relation to the running gear frame, and to rise to position for use when the handle is 'aised, means operatively related to the wheel supports and adapted to be engaged by one of the supports to lock the latter in position and a freely pivoted bail like catch connected and movable with the arm rests and upon the running gear frame, said catch being adapted to engage over a portion of the running gear frame to lock the arm rests and handle against movement.

In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports rotatably mounted thereon, a seat, side arms for the seat, supports for the arms with which the arms are pivotally connected for maintaining the arms in a horizontal posi tion with respect to the running gear frame, a pivoted handle, means whereby the forward and downward movement of the handle will cause the arms to fold with relation to the running gear frame, and to rise to position when the handle is raised, means 0peratively related to the wheel supports and adapted to be engaged by one of the arm supports to lock the latter in position, a bail like catch pivotally connected with the arms to move therewith and adapted to engage the running gear frame to lock the arms and handle against movement, and yielding means for holding the catch in position to engage over a portion of the frame and for also holding the catch in locked engagement with the frame.

4t. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports rotatably mounted thereon, a seat, side bars for the seat, supports for the bars pivotally secured to the frame and to the bars for maintaining the bars always in a horizontal position with respect to the running gear frame, one of the respective supports depending below the frame and adapted to engage the wheel support for holding the latter in position, a pivoted handle, means whereby the forward and downward movement of the handle will cause the side bars to fold with respect to the frame and to rise to position for use when the handle is raised, and a bail having pivotal connection with the side bars and provided with a notch adapted to engage over a portion of the frame to lock the parts in operative position.

5. in a folding go-cart, the c mbinatimi of a running gear frame, wheel supports rotatably mounted thereon, a seat, side bars for the seat, supports for the bars pivotally secured to the frame and to the bars for maintaining the bars always in a horizontal position with respect to the running gear frame, one of the respective supports depending below the frame and adapted to engage the wheel support for holding the latter in position, a pivoted handle, means whereby the forward and downward movement of the handle will cause the side bars to fold with respect to the frame and to rise to position for use when the handle is raised, a bail having pivotal connection with the side bars and provided with a notch adapted to engage over a portion of the frame to locl: the parts in operative position, and a yield ing member for holding the bail in its locked position.

6. Ina folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports rotatably mounted thereon, a seat, side bars for the seat, supports for the bars pivot-ally secured to the frame and to the bars for maintaining the bars always in a horizontal position with respect to the running gear frame, one of the respective supports depending below the frame and adapted to engage the wheel support for holding the latter in position, a pivoted handle, means whereby the forward and downward movement of the handle will cause the side bars to fold with respect to the frame and to rise to position for use when the handle is raised, bail having pivotal connection with the side bars and provided with a notch adapted to engage over a portion of the frame to lock the parts in operative posi tion, and a support for the free end of the bail to move on when the side bars are be; ing adjusted.

7. In a folding gocart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports rotatably mounted thereon, a seat, side bars for the seat, supports for the bars pivotally secured to the frame and to the bars for maintaining the bars always in a horizontal position with respect to the running gear frame, one of the respective supports depending below the frame and adapted to engage the wheel support for holding the latter in position, a pivoted handle, means whereby the forward and downward movement of the handle will cause the side bars to fold with respect to the frame and to rise to position for use when the handle is raised, a bail having pivotal connection with the side bars and provided with a notch aoapted to engage over a portion of the frame to lock the parts in operative pos tion, and an adjustable back for the seat.

8. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, wieel supports comprising a body portion, one end of which is bent around the frame with the extrenr ity thereof secured to the support, the other end being bent to form spaced walls, and with its extremity secured to the body portion, and an axle supported by the free end of the support.

9. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports, comprising a body portion provided with spaced flanges terminating short of the ends thereof, one of the ends beyond the flanges being bent around the frame with the extremity secured to the body portion between the flanges, the other end beyond the flanges being bent to form spaced walls and with the extremity secured to the body portion between the flanges and an axle secured to one of the walls and extending through and beyond the other wall.

10. As an article of manufacture, a wheel support constructed of a single piece of flexible material, one end of which is bent back upon itself to form a bearing and the other extremity being bent back upon itself to form spaced parallel walls having registering apertures therein.

11. As an article of manufacture, a wheel support constructed of a single piece of flexi ble material provided with flanges adjacent the edges thereof and terminating short of its ends, one end beyond the flanges being bent back upon itself with its extremity secured to the body portion between the flanges to form a bearing and the other end being bent back upon itself with the extremity thereof secured to the body between the flanges to form spaced parallel walls, having registering apertures therein.

12. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports mounted thereon and to fold with respect thereto, a seat supported by the frame, adjustable side arms for the seat, supports for the arms and with which the arms have pivotal connection whereby the arms will be maintained in a horizontal position with respect to the running gear frame in any of their adjusted positions, a catch movable with the supports for locking the arm supports in position, said catch having free piv- 'otal connection with the supports and a sliding movement with respect to the structure, and means for locking the wheel supports in position for use.

13. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports mounted thereon and to fold with respect thereto, a seat supported by the frame, adjustable side arms for the seat, supports for the arms and with which the arms have piv otal connection whereby the arms will be maintained in a horizontal position with respect to the running gear frame in any of their adjusted positions, a bail like catch having free pivotal connection with the supports and movable with the supports for locking the arm supports in position, said catch having a sliding movement with respect to the structure, and means operating in unison with the arm supports and cooperating with the wheel supports for locking the latter in position.

14. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports mounted thereon and to fold with respect thereto, a seat supported by the frame, adjustable side arms for the seat, supports for the arms and with which the arms have pivotal connection whereby the arms will be maintained in a horizontal position with respect to the running gear frame in any of their adjusted positions, a bail like catch movable with the supports and having free pivotal connection therewith, said catch having a notch adapted to engage over a portion of the structure for locking the arm supports in position, said catch having a sliding movement with respect to the structure, yielding means for holding the catch in locked engagement with the said portion of the structure, and means for locking the wheel supports in position for use.

15. In a folding gocart, the combination of a running gear frame, wheel supports rotatably mounted thereon, a seat, side arms for the seat, supports for the arms and with which the arms have pivotal connection for maintaining the arms in a horizontal position with respect to the running gear frame, a pivoted handle, means whereby the forward and downward movement of the bandle will cause the arms to fold with relation to the running gear frame, and to rise to a position for use when the handle is raised, and wheel support locking means movable into and out of locking position in unison with the folding and unfolding movements of the arms.

16. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, uprights pivoted to the frame, side bars pivoted to the uprights and adapted to fold with the uprights on to the frame, catches pivotally connected to the uprights and movable therewith, said catches being also connected together for movement in unison, said catches engaging over a portion of the frame, and a supporting guide for directing the catches into engagement with the frame.

17. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, uprights pivoted to the frame, side bars pivoted to the uprights and adapted to fold with the uprights on to the frame, catches pivotally connected to the uprights and movable therewith, said catches being also connected together for movement in unison, said catches engaging over a portion of the frame, a supporting guide for directing the catches into engagement with the frame, and an elastic member connected to the catches and to the frame for holding said catches in engagement with the guide and frame.

18. In a folding go-cart, the combination of a running gear frame, a foldable body structure supported thereby, a catch, means connecting the catch with the body structure for movement thereby, said catch being two subscribing Witnesses, on this 17th day adapted to engage over a, portion of the of October, A. D. 1907.

frame to hold the structure in position for use, and means for guiding the catch during ALBERT MCGILL' 5 its movement with the structure. Witnesses: In testimony whereof I have signed my C. H. SEEM, name to thls specific-anon, in the presence of J. H. J QOHUM, Jr.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of latents,

Washington, D. G." 

